How can i update?

[Qubix]

Ok , so I have Daryna installed , and I LOVE IT When Elyssa comes out , can I update over this version, without loosing any data on my hdd, or do i have to reinstall the entire OS? If i can simply update, how can i do it? Cheers

[MagnusB]

Yes, you can use dist-update (?), but generally it is recommended doing a clean install each time. Now, as for the need to install a new version, it is only if you, like me, are suffering from the well known decease of having to run the latest at no matter what cost. Many people tend to stay at a version they are comfortable with and they find stable, but hopefully Elyssa will get LTS (Long Term Support).
I prefer a clean install each time I update, but some has used dist-upgrade with some success, some have had troubles with it, and I think you will miss out on the newest artwork as well

[Qubix]

Clean install it is then!

[belovedmonster]

Put home on a separate partition and then you can upgrade OS without any loss of data.

[ubromtoo]

Let me second the suggestion to use a separate /home partition : this is sooo much easier for a re-install

or a new install.

[Qubix]

Well home is actualy on a separate partition, a 20gb partition, and my stuff is on a 140 gb partition called hda5. So can i update without loosing the stuff on hda5?

[MagnusB]

Yes, but clean out hidden folders first. Most programs save their settings in /home/username/.folder (. in front of file/folder name will hide the file/folder), but these can cause complication if you upgrade